What happens to your data when you die?
Introduction
Digital Remains is concerned with the role data plays when we remember deceased people. It assumes a world in which our data is stored on the network creating digital archives of generations of people.
Personal access keys are used to remotely log on to the digital remains of a person and receive their data on our own digital devices. Based on data tags and meta data, search algorithms dig through a deceased person’s data, presenting us with content that is most likely relevant to us. For instance, a photograph from a holiday we spent with the person 10 years ago or the person’s favourite piece of music which they typically listened to while writing e-mails.
Access Keys
Access keys, when placed next to a mobile phone, MP3 player or computer, establish a bluetooth connection with the device and trigger a remote log-on to the digital remains of the deceased person they are linked to, allowing a person to access the dead person’s data.
RCA Show 2006
Digital Remains was shown at the Royal College of Art Degree Show in 2006. The installation created to convey the concept of Digital Remains comprises of an over-head projection of hand and arm movements, which are in synch with the movements on the monitor screen. Placing one of the access keys on the table, starts the access key spinning and triggers the relevant scenario.
This is what visitors to the RCA Show in 2006 wrote into the comment book:
“I have shown this exhibit to everyone I knew – speechless!”
“The most interesting piece I’ve ssen for a while – works on many levels. Fantastic.”
“Thank you. This has really got me thinking about how digital data may create new ways of grieving and mourning. College Chaplain”
The Scenarios are played by Eilidh Fraser, Rachel McPhee and Snorri Kristjansson
Very special thanks to Fiona Raby, Tom Hulbert, Neil Shepard, James King, George Grindsted, Eyal Burstein, Marei Wollersberger, Tim Olden, George Britovsek and Justin Rodham. Also a special thank to Sokymat RFID.